Joshua S. Duchan

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Biography

Joshua S. Duchan is an ethnomusicologist specializing in American popular music. He has authored two books, Powerful Voices: The Musical and Social World of Collegiate A Cappella (2012) and Billy Joel: America's Piano Man (2017), and numerous journal articles and book chapters. (See below for a list of publications.) He has also presented his work at meetings of the American Musicological Society, the Society for American Music, the Society for Ethnomusicology, the International Council for Traditional Music, the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, the international Art of Record Production conference, and at various conferences on and festivals of a cappella music.

Dr. Duchan's current research examines the music of American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. His recent book on the subject, Billy Joel: America's Piano Man, has received critical praise:

"This book is much more than a biography... The writing style is fluid and the research solid, providing much insight into Joel. VERDICT: A must-read analysis of the work of one our most popular performers." (Library Journal 6/1/17)

"Duchan makes a powerful argument for the complexity in Joel’s work by keeping the spotlight on the music, tracing how 'Joel’s music kept alive an emphasis on well-crafted melody and harmony' rooted in Tin Pan Alley traditions while incorporating rock, jazz, and doo-wop with lyrics that addressed his listeners through contemporary themes... He successfully argues for Joel’s music relevance." (Publisher's Weekly 7/24/17)

"Unreservedly recommended for both community and academic library American Music History collections in general, and Billy Joel supplemental studies reading lists in particular." (Midwest Book Review, September 2017)

"Duchan has written a passionate study of the Piano Man's music and lyrics, decoding the artist's songwriting process in a smart analysis that investigates cultural context and the language of song. Given its focus on music, Billy Joel: America's Piano Man is a welcomed addition to the books that have come before." (Jeff Schock, director of the Billy Joel Archives)

Presently, Dr. Duchan serves as Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Music as well as on the WSU Graduate Council. Additionally, he is chair of the Lise Waxer Prize Committee of the Popular Music Section of the Society for Ethnomusicology, is a member of the Irving Lowens Article Award Committee for the Society for American Music, and sits on the advisory board of the popular music book series, "For the Record" (Lexington Books). He was also named a 2013-2014 Resident Scholar at the Wayne State University Humanities Center and received a 2015 Faculty Creative/Research Grant from Wayne State University's College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts.

Dr. Duchan received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Before joining the faculty at Wayne State University, he taught at Kalamazoo College and Bowling Green State University. At Wayne State University, Dr. Duchan teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music history, world music, popular music, and ethnomusicology. Outside of teaching, he remains an active participant in the regional and national a cappella scene as an adjudicator, arranger, clinician, and producer.

Recent Courses Taught

MUH 1340 Music Appreciation: World Music

MUH 3320 Music History & Literature II

MUH 3330 Music History & Literature III

MUH 5300 Music Research

MUH 5315 Special Topics in Music History: Popular Music Studies

MUH 5315 Special Topics in Music History: Problems & Techniques in Ethnomusicology

MUH 5340 Music Appreciation: World Music

MUH 7315 Special Topcs in Music History: Popular Music Studies

MUH 7315 Special Topcs in Music History: Problems & Techniques in Ethnomusicology

MUH 7360 Studies in Twentieth-Century Music

Recent Graduate Student Projects

"Learning Through Rock Band in the Elementary General Music Classroom," Spring/Summer 2017.

"The Power of a Flying Pig: Carl Stalling, Looney Tunes, and America's Need for an Escape," Winter 2017.